Silvermine Elementary School Traffic Circulation Improvements
City of Norwalk
Time, in many ways, dictated the priorities of the design and construction of this project. Our challenge was to develop a safe student drop-off and pick-up system that eliminated the long queue for construction during the summer recess. All of this was done while preserving site elements that were most meaningful to the school community.
Client need
Nestled in a residential neighborhood, 500 students pass through the halls of Silvermine Elementary School daily. Navigating through the combined bus loop and parent drop-off lane to reach the school’s entrance posed increasing safety and efficiency concerns for students and the wider school community. In response, school officials embarked on a quest for a solution that not only addressed this pressing issue but also tackled other shortcomings on the site, such as parking, lighting, and drainage, all while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the school grounds.
The assignment was complicated due to the constrained site. The team was required to construct the new building while the existing facility and site amenities were in full use, leaving little room to spare.
Our approach
Our approach to this important project was guided by our goal to design a solution that responded to the comprehensive needs of our client. To meet the project’s sensitive timeline, we shared early drafts of our engineered designs with the school community to facilitate consensus. We then synthesized their feedback and other desired enhancements into a comprehensive plan that could be constructed during the upcoming summer break.
Results
Mission accomplished: With a backdrop of newly-grown plantings and stone masonry elements, the seamless flow of students arriving on the first day of school validated the impact of our efforts. Safety and efficiency were harmonious. Carefully positioned light posts, inclusive signage, and fresh pavement markings facilitated the safe, efficient movement of all school community members.
In our team's words
“Having worked as a municipal engineer for decades, I was excited to work on this project. It had all the hallmark issues of most municipal projects: a very tight budget, an even tighter construction deadline, and no room for expansion. The goals were to provide safety for pedestrians, separate the buses and cars, and prevent cars queuing on Perry Avenue, tying up traffic twice daily. Construction had to be started and completed during the summer break. There was no other option. Communication was key, and the owner, contractor, and M&J were all committed to providing a safe, efficient, and attractive project that the community could be proud of. The true test—student drop-off on the first day of school—was a success. The rewarding part for me is being able to improve the experience for the most important stakeholders: the people who will use the school in the future.“
— Colin Kelly, P.E., Senior Civil Engineer